Why is the Devil Called “The Accuser”?

“For the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10).

Every time we sin, Satan rejoices, and he never lets pass an opportunity for pointing out our offenses to God. In this sense, he “accuses” us before the Creator. Remember: when the devil wants to talk to God, he only has to direct himself to Him. God listens to everything the devil says to Him; He knows every thought that comes from a demon. This type of communication between God and Satan is reflected as much in the book of Job when they both speak as in the book of Zechariah (see Zechariah 3:1).

Satan’s only purpose here is to remind God of the many times he triumphs over us, i.e., the many times he is successful in tempting us to sin. After the Last Judgment, sin will no longer be possible and, as such, the devil will not be able to accuse us of anything.

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Fr. José Antonio Fortea

Father José Antonio Fortea is not only an exorcist, but also a writer, and parish priest. He once thought he would lead what he has termed ordinary life as an attorney in Madrid, much as his father did before him, but sensed instead a vocation to the priesthood in his adolescent years. A theology graduate of Navarre University in Spain, Father Fortea wrote a thesis there on exorcism. He has been a practicing exorcist for several decades.